Into the Wild

Rating:
Summary: A very good read, but not probing enough
Review: It's sometimes hard to divorce author from subject, and part of the reason I give this book 3 stars is because "Alex Supertramp" was a self-infatuated, self-important kid who never grew up and is notably only for his tremendous lack of perspective and his incredible hubris. The book is well written and I would recommend it. I identify with Chris (aka Alex) because I sort of had similar feelings of wanting to flee and just walk to Alaska when I was younger. The author fails to really understand Chris as he is: An essentially shallow, self-aggrandizing kid who has some fun adventures and then kills himself with stupidity. Chris's behavior is well worth exploring, but the author takes him way too seriously and almost seems to share Chris's fantasy that he is something special and superior, instead of deeply confused and muddy-headed.

Rating:
Summary: Very unfulfilling!
Review: I could never understand why Chris was making this journey. You have a kid who died trying to make a point about what? Humans can survive without necessary evils? Pointless! People starve everyday in America, what makes "Supertramp" so different?

Rating:
Summary: Krakauer's insights and probing research are rivoting.
Review: This book is a difficult one to put down. I found myself constantly measuring the post college years of my own life and realized that McCandless was not unlike myself and many other young men today. The major difference between himself and most others is that he acted on his beliefs, seemingly knowing that they might prove fatal. Although McCandless failed to accomplish what he set out to do; he never the less succeeded in vanquishing the demons that haunted him.

Rating:
Summary: A moving tribute to a unique man
Review: I'll be honest, at the begining of this book I thought, "He's an idiot and he got what was coming to him." However as I read the depth of Chris' character and the precision of Krakauer's narrative drew me into Mcandless'life. John Krakauer turned a cautionary into a triumph of human percevierence and compexity of our character.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Internal Portrait
Review: This book is excellent for two totally different audiences: those interested in risky and spontaneous adventures, and people interested in psychological profiles of unique people. I gave a three star rating because I believe five stars are used much too casually throughout these reviews. The book leaves you wanting more and would have been even better if the author delved deeper into Chris' relationships. Although it was glossed over in the book, the main motivation for his odyssey was an internal struggle with homosexuality as his parents' suspicions confirmed. But this is not pursued fully by Krakauer, so we are left wondering. Still highly reccommended.

Rating:
Summary: A hard look at some human foibles
Review: Krakauer examines the tendancy of youth to see the world in terms of themselves and the notion that they are brave new people on a voyage no one else has ever taken before. He puts his own experience in the book as an example of how such thinking can cause one to over reach her/his own ability. He paints a picture of McCandless as a person disillusioned with the rules, the need to fit in, and unwilling or unable to make deep connections. In short, Krakauer makes us connect with that part of ourselves which has rushed headlong into situations without heed to understanding why we need to see the world in black and white. His airbrushing of the locals in Alaska and the us/them (not everyone is that way, as he notes) description is a telling commentary on the social situation globally. Krakauer's case study could be used in a variety of socio-economic settings to understand why people put themselves at risk and at a distance from the perceived majority which is oppressing them. Indeed, I saw myself and the lovely feeling of leaving everything and everyone behind and just hitting the road. What an unencumbered rush!

Rating:
Summary: Truly Amazing. I promise you'll love it.
Review: As a yuppie in Atlanta who took the 'easy route' and got a good job doing something relatively mediocre- this book was enthralling. I admire Chris McCandless. He's one of those guys full of passion and ideals; he lives the life we all dream of but are too risk-averse to try. He's complex, quirkly, REAL. After reading this book, I was inspired to begin thinking about who I really am, and what I want out of life. Also, that there really are people that can endeavor to live the life they've imagined. Be true to themselves.

Rating:
Summary: A view of the world that far to few people understand
Review: For anyone who loves the outdoors and nature, this book is a must read. From the 1st page to the last, I could not put it down. For those people who found Chirs's life and death to be "foolish" or " reckless", they simply don't get It!!This work is truly moving, something not to be forgotten!

Rating:
Summary: A very bold, emotional, and brave account by Krakauer
Review: Without a doubt, one of the most intriguing and powerful books I have ever read. John Krakauer starts us out by "revealing the ending," and working backwards most of the time from then on. In doing so, however, the story is by no means spoiled, but rather a taste is left in our minds for all the questions that follow. That is where Krakauer's brilliance and talent is unmasked. He takes us through the time before the death and seems to unearth every detail, allowing the reader to make judgements and conclusions for themselves. He does offer his own life's situations, but not to detract from the story. These stories only lend more meaning and conviction to what he believes should be understood about this young man. That is that Chris McCandless wasn't crazy or insane. Rather, he was someone searching for happiness in way and ultimately a place that most people do not understand. Krakauer helps with that, and does a masterful job.

Rating:
Summary: What's wild about living in a bus?
Review: I enjoyed the book and found it thought-provoking. I could identify with many of the young man's feelings, and agree with the author that, had he lived, he probably would have grown out of much of his immaturity. I don't see Chris as a heroic figure. He seemed quite willing to abandon his ideals when they were inconvenient. For example, lying about where he was living while working at McDonald's, and most puzzling to me, living in the bus. Why would he reject maps, compass, etc. in order to live in a wilder environment untouched by man and then live in a bus furnished with a stove? Of course he was free to make those choices, they just ruined the "heroic holder of high ideals" aspect for me (not that I am any better!) I also agree with another reader's review that Krakauer really missed out by ignoring Chris' belief in God, since Chris referred to Him often in his letters and in his final note. Yet, Krakauer *does* mention that Ron Franz became an atheist and Chris' Mom stopped praying. In that way I thought the book was unfairly biased. Chris wasn't bitter at God, but thanked Him for a good life. God allows people the freedom to take risks and make choices, and I think Chris understood that.